Fall-Off-The-Bone Goodness: Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe

There's something truly magical about chicken wings, especially when they're cooked low and slow until they reach that perfect fall-off-the-bone tenderness. The smell of sweet and tangy BBQ sauce filling the air, the anticipation building with each passing minute—it's a dish that brings people together, whether it’s for game day, a casual family dinner, or just because you're craving something delicious. With this easy slow cooker BBQ chicken wings recipe, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish without the hassle of standing over a hot grill or oven.

A plate of saucy, caramelized BBQ chicken wings stacked high, glistening under light, with a side of dipping sauce and parsley garnish.Photo byNick Davies

The slow cooker works wonders, tenderizing the meat while locking in all the flavors of your favorite BBQ sauce. It's an effortless way to achieve wings that are both juicy and packed with smoky, sweet, and tangy goodness. All you need is a handful of ingredients, your trusty slow cooker, and a bit of patience, and soon you’ll have wings that rival any restaurant's best.

Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Wings

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
• 2 cups BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
• 1/4 cup honey (for extra sweetness)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (for added depth)
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Wings: Rinse and pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
2. Set Up the Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned wings in the slow cooker in a single layer, trying not to overcrowd them. If necessary, you can layer the wings, but it’s ideal to keep them as flat as possible for even cooking.
3. Sauce It Up: In a medium bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, honey, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour the sauce over the wings, making sure each wing is well coated.
4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-2.5 hours. The wings should be tender and cooked through, but not falling apart completely.
5. Crisp the Wings (Optional): For an added layer of flavor and texture, you can transfer the wings to a baking sheet and broil them in the oven for 5-7 minutes to give them a nice charred finish. Baste with extra BBQ sauce before broiling for extra sticky goodness.
6. Serve: Once done, garnish the wings with fresh parsley (optional) and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.

These slow cooker BBQ chicken wings are perfect for when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort. The slow cooking process ensures the wings are incredibly tender, while the BBQ sauce caramelizes and infuses the meat with that smoky, sweet, and tangy taste we all love. Whether you decide to crisp them up in the oven or serve them straight from the slow cooker, these wings are sure to be a hit.

Imagine serving these at your next gathering, with everyone grabbing a wing and going back for seconds. Pair them with classic sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, or some crispy fries, and you’ve got a meal that’s finger-lickin' good.

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Family Recipe